Laredo Medical Center Names Employee, Manager, Director of 2022

3/10/2023

Laredo Medical Center has named Gerardo A. Garza, BSN, as the 2022 ‘Employee of the Year.’ This award is the highest honor bestowed on a hospital employee each year. Employees are nominated for the award by their hospital peers based on their commitment and contributions to their job responsibilities.

“Gerardo is a prime example of the type of healthcare professional Laredo Medical Center is grateful to employ,” says Jorge Leal, FACHE, chief executive officer. “Our administrative team had a tough job in selecting one employee who has gone above and beyond, but after much consideration, we found Gerardo to be most deserving of the Employee of the Year award.”

Garza is an RN charge nurse in the 5C medical/surgical unit who is responsible for supervising, assigning, and directing all subordinate personnel during his assigned shift. This includes preparing required documentation and maintaining appropriate internal records on patient care, as well as ensuring LMC’s values are reflected in all aspects of the department's operation.

Co-workers say about Garza, “It has been noticed how quickly Gerardo responds to call lights, bed alarms or any alarm for that matter. He is not one to delegate; he gets up and makes sure to address each sound appropriately. His responsiveness is not only towards alarms, but towards the needs of staff and doctors as well. Gerardo supports all staff and is one of the best charge nurses at the hospital. He is always pleasant with a positive friendly demeanor and often complimented by patients and their families.”

Vanessa Vela, manager of risk management, has been named the ‘Non-Clinical Manager of the Year.’ She is responsible for administering the hospital’s risk management protocols. She also coordinates the appropriate handling and communication to key departments and partners for insurance and liability issues for the facility staff, patients and vendors.

Peers say Vela is nothing short of exceptional. They say, “Vanessa is truly our facility’s jack of all trades and has never wavered in her support to lead initiatives, projects, new roles and much more. Vanessa is versatile and always gives 110% in all assigned tasks – most times, she takes the initiative herself when she knows the facility and others are in need of assistance. She was promoted to risk management coordinator in 2021 with minimal experience but a strong desire to grow, learn the role and succeed quickly. She has done nothing less and has been able to learn and manage the challenges of her new role as if she has had years of experience.”

Maria Terry Peña, director of wound care, has been named the ‘Clinical Director of the Year.’ Under the direction of the CNO, Peña serves primarily as the leader of a multi-disciplinary wound care team with direct patient care and education of selected patients and staff. She also provides staff development in this area of expertise.

Colleagues say about Peña, “Terry always demonstrates professionalism with a positive energetic attitude. She is very engaged with her staff and with our patients and families. She is well respected by many. Peña is hands-on with patient care. She has a great working relationship with the doctors, and she demonstrates care and compassion in caring for all patients while teaching nursing staff at the bed side. She is an excellent role model.”

CEO Leal adds, “With over 1,200 employees, I am proud of every member of our team for all we have accomplished collectively – not only for our hospital – but, first and foremost, for those who count on us for trusted quality care.”

For more information about hospital services or career opportunities at Laredo Medical Center, visit www.laredomedical.com.

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